In Pictures: Priestly Blessings at the Western Wall

Israeli Chief Rabbis join thousands of worshippers at this year's Sukkot 'birkat kohanim' at the Kotel in Jerusalem.

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Yoni Kempinski and Ari Soffer, 22/09/13 10:47

"Birkat Kohanim" at the Kotel

Yoni Kempinski

Tens of thousands of worshippers crowded the Kotel (Western Wall) plaza in Jerusalem this morning for shacharit (morning) prayers today, the fifth day of the festival of Sukkot.

There, Jews from across the world took part in the bi-annual mass "birkat kohanim" or "priestly blessings," which take place during Sukkot and Pesach (Passover). The service saw thousands of kohanim - members of the priestly families of Israel - bless the gathered crowd in a show of unity and celebration.

Israel's Chief Rabbis - Rabbi David Lau and Rabbi Yitzchak Yoseph - were both present, and will receive the public immediately following the service.